A Southminster man who mounted a two-year campaign of harassment has been handed a five-year Restraining Order and an 18-week suspended prison sentence following work by Maldon neighbourhood policing officers and Maldon District Council.

43-year-old Peter Rushton from North End, Southminster, ignored a series of warnings as his activities escalated and he failed to turn up to his trial at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court in March.

However, he was found guilty in his absence of criminal damage, causing harassment without violence and failing to comply with a community protection notice.

On June 9 at the same court, magistrates sentenced him to 18 weeks' imprisonment suspended for 18 months, and handed him a five-year Restraining Order and a £650 fine.

Investigating officer PC Luke Jones said after the case:

"This was a neighbourhood dispute which got out of control. Rushton conducted a sustained campaign of abuse and harassment against the couple over two years, breaching a Community Protection Warning and a Community Protection Notice as he did so, which caused them acute distress.

"He used a home-fitted CCTV device to monitor the victims, playing alarms and bombarding them with abuse when they returned home and he even damaged an aviary.

"I worked with Maldon District Council to tackle the situation from several angles, with noise complaints managed by the council.

"I am pleased the court has imposed a five-year Restraining Order on Rushton.

"Should he breach it, he will be put back before a court and could face jail or a hefty fine.

"I hope this case demonstrates that we take reports of anti-social behaviour seriously and will work with partners to find long-term solutions.

"I urge anyone who is experiencing anti-social behaviour to report it to us either online via our website or by ringing 101. If you wish to report it anonymously, contact the independent Crimestoppers charity."